Author: gleanernewspaper
Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, on Friday, 15th November 2024, delivered what many have described as a welfare, people-centred budget for 2025, titled Improving the Well-Being and Quality of Life of Sierra Leoneans. The Minister of Finance, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, highlighted the progress made despite the uncertainties in recent years, which adversely affected the domestic economic performance and the policies the government formulated and implemented in 2023 and 2024 to mitigate the impact of the shocks and correct policy slippages. He further stated that the government will continue to improve access…
Africell Sierra Leone, the country’s leading telecommunications provider, has officially launched the 3rd edition of the Freetown Marathon. The announcement was made during a vibrant ceremony held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the company’s headquarters on Pivot Street, Wilberforce, Freetown. Set to take place on Sunday, December 8, 2024, the marathon aims to promote health, fitness, and community engagement while showcasing the beauty of Sierra Leone. Participants from across the nation are expected to join this year’s event, which will feature four race categories. The Freetown Marathon will include the following categories to cater to a wide range of…
The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, 15/10/2024, extensively debated and ratified, with unanimity, the Millennium Challenge Compact Between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the United States of America and the Programme Implementation Agreement Between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the United States of America. The two agreements, championed by the Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, were unanimously approved by the Members of Parliament following an emergency sitting convened by the President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio. He assured them that these agreements hold immense potential for the nation, particularly in the energy sector,…
FG Gold mining site Workers at the FG Gold mining facility in Sierra Leone have expressed their dissatisfaction, urging the government to intervene and help them negotiate better working conditions with the company’s management. In an interview with the Gleaner Newspaper, miners described their working conditions as similar to modern-day slavery, with long hours without adequate compensation or basic amenities. One miner, who requested anonymity, stated that the company initially made numerous promises about their working conditions. However, the workers’ reality changed dramatically over time. “We see what foreign workers enjoy while we receive a pittance in salary, no medical…
Octopus Energy’s generation arm, in partnership with Idris Elba, has kicked off its first renewables project in Africa, a pioneering wind farm on Sherbro Island in Sierra Leone. The company announced this milestone at this year’s World Climate Conference (COP29), which is currently taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, and brings together governments, businesses and other stakeholders to negotiate global climate strategies and policies. Octopus has submitted detailed plans to Sierra Leone’s government. The company is aiming to start construction of the wind farm – up to five turbines, complete with solar panels and battery storage – next year. The wind…
Deputy Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Deputy Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay has affirmed the government’s resolute commitment to tackling money laundering and other financial crimes. Speaking at the weekly government press briefing held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the Ministry of Energy conference room on Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown, Deputy Minister Sesay emphasised the collaborative efforts underway to enhance financial crime investigation and enforcement in Sierra Leone. In his address to journalists, Deputy Minister Sesay highlighted that the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Justice are working closely with the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) to…
The Africell Impact Foundation, in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens, recently organised a public lecture for students from the Department of Biological Sciences at Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone. The event, themed “Navigating the Future: Ensuring the Resilience of Trees in an Evolving Climate,” aimed to empower students with insights into climate resilience and urban biodiversity. Targeting FBC’s Biological Sciences students, the workshop featured a presentation from Kevin Martin, Head of Tree Collection at Kew Gardens—a globally recognised centre for the study of trees and plants. Martin explained how urbanisation is altering local climates, emphasising the…
Deputy Minister of Health 1, Dr. Charles Senesie, commissioned the newly installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and batteries in 25 community health centres and clinics in Sierra Leone. He cut the ribbons on Jenner Wright Clinic’s new energy system, symbolically celebrating the life-saving electricity access in all 25 facilities as part of the second phase of the Sierra Leone Healthcare Electrification Project. Phase 3 of the project was unveiled with plans to install solar power in 11 more hospitals in Sierra Leone. This momentous occasion was followed by the unveiling of the third phase, which will electrify 11 other hospitals…
On Tuesday, 12 November 2024, a 20-man Presidential delegation from the Republic of Gambia visited Sierra Leone to learn from the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) about Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS). The head of the delegation is Madam Juldeh Ceesay, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs. They came to Sierra Leone to gain insight into the accomplishments of NCRA and Sierra Leone. In his statement, the Director General of NCRA, Mr. Mohamed Mubashir MASSAQUOI, welcomed the delegation on behalf of His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the government and people of Sierra…
On Tuesday, 12 November 2024, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio received a comprehensive report outlining a roadmap for sustainable peace in the long-standing conflict between the landowners of Sahn Malen Chiefdom and Socfin Agricultural Company. The dispute, which has persisted for over thirteen years, dates back to the company’s 2010 acquisition of the Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Board (SLPMB) plantation. President Bio thanked committee members for their dedication and commitment to achieving a lasting resolution. In his remarks, Honourable Shiaka Musa Sama, representing the aggrieved people of Sahn-Malen, described President Bio’s intervention as timely and commendable. He noted…